Core Strategy Options - Dorsetforyou.com

Core Strategy OptionsPreferred Option CH 10Highcliffe Centre VisionHighcliffe Centre will continue to act as a thriving and busy centre to the local population andvisitors. The centre will accommodate further comparison retail floorspace, with Christchurchtown centre remaining the principal centre for retail development in the Borough. The shoppingenvironment will be improved to provide a more pleasant townscape, public transport routessupported, and facilities and services will continue to be located in this central location.To achieve this vision:1. Retail uses will be expanded and enhanced to promote the vitality and viability of the centre.The strategy for Highcliffe will seek to enhance the niche retail offer to attract more visitors withunique, specialist shops.2. Expansion of evening economy uses such as restaurants/cafés/pubs will be encouraged,especially in the designated secondary shopping cores. This will enhance the vitality of thecentre, making it a more vibrant place in the afternoon and evening hours.3. Better marked/signposted linkages between the Highcliffe beach front and the town centrewill draw in more visitors to the centre that will benefit local trade.4. The townscape quality of the centre will be improved: the objective is to secure a high qualityenvironment that will give the centre a distinct character and enhance its sense of identity.This will be achieved by providing new street furniture and planting in an effort to create anattractive, welcoming and pedestrian friendly environment. The pedestrian-vehicular conflict,apparent on the A337 Lymington Road will be minimised by the introduction of appropriatetraffic calming measures and provision of more frequent pedestrian crossings.5. High density residential development will take place alongside the projected requirement forretail to provide for a balanced, mixed use environment.6. To minimise congestion and air pollution, the use of sustainable modes of transport will beencouraged.7. The Council will ensure that adequate parking levels are maintained within the centre toensure its vitality and viability.Why is it the Preferred Option?Minimises factors contributing to climate change.Promotes vitality and viability of town centre.Provides community and cultural facilities.Helps meet housing need.Improves public transport and transport infrastructure.Improves town centre urban environment.Does it conform to the rules, regulations and advice?Core Strategy Options September 29th, 2010 Christchurch and East Dorset Council Meetings85